Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, What is it?

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD is also known as complex regional pain syndrome and is a rare disorder affecting the person diagnosed with severe pain, usually chronic. Some medical professionals believe this to be a rare autoimmune disorder, and others think RSD to be a direct result of some type of injury amongst other causes.

﻿

What causes RSD?

The exact cause is unknown due to the rare occurrence of this disorder. However, theories suggest that the following reasons may be contributing factors:

Some form of trauma to the body

The result of some type of surgery

Due to infection

Due to nerve damage from burns

Post radiation therapy

Paralysis, or hemiplegia affecting one side of the body

Post-myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack

Cervical osteoarthritis, a disorder of the spine in the neck area

Shingles

Cerebrovascular accidents, CVA, otherwise known as strokes

Heart diseases

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Breast Cancer

Tuberculosis medications

More than 20% of cases, however, are unable to find the exact cause or contributing factor to the development of RSD.

What are the symptoms of RSD?

Symptoms vary from each individual, who may be affected by some or all of the symptoms. Symptoms are among the following, but not limited to:

Burning pain usually in a hand, foot or leg

Tenderness in some regions of the body

Swelling of painful extremities

Extreme sensitivity to cold temperatures or gentle touches

Unregulated temperatures of the skin, profuse sweating or sudden onset of cold

Skin color changes, usually purple spots are known as mottling or red, white

Skin texture changes, generally thinning and an opalescent appearance occurs of the pained area

Hair and nail growth changes

Stiffness and swelling occurs in the joints

Muscle atrophy, spasms

Decreased range of motion in the affected body part

The usual first symptoms to appear are burning pain, swelling, sensitivity in the troubled area and temperature changes in an individual afflicted with this disorder. This is considered the early stage and optimal for treatment. Once the skin and nail appearances start to occur, the disorder has become irreversible, and managing symptoms is the only option.

What are the permanent effects of RSD?

The skin and bones, as well as associated muscles in a particular area will be affected if the body part is favored as a result of pain and stiffness. Deterioration will occur which will increase weakness, difficulty performing simple tasks and increased risk for further health problems. Contractures, also known as muscle tightening that results in the inability to bend or straighten an extremity, will occur due to deterioration and non-use of the extremity.

Can RSD be cured?

Currently, there is no known cure for RSD. Successful therapies using medications, physical therapy, and psychological counseling have been proven in helping those affected by RSD to cope and live a relatively healthy life. Keep in mind, this only occurs in some cases, and symptoms can persist despite treatment.

Post navigation

You Might Also Like

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood condition in which a person experiences persistent severe and debilitating pain. Since this is a fairly unknown topic, OZRSD was set up to spread information, provide support and offer advice for anyone looking for help related to CRPS. Read more about our organization by clicking here.

About Us

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood condition in which a person experiences persistent severe and debilitating pain. Since this is a fairly unknown topic, OZRSD was set up to spread information, provide support and offer advice for anyone looking for help related to CRPS. Read more about our organization by clicking here.